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Following Petr Cech’s transfer to Arsenal, former Poland goalkeeper Jan Tomaszewski said that Arsene Wenger had lied to the national team manager regarding his countryman Wojciech Szczesny’s situation at Arsenal. Szczesny has not featured in a Premier League fixture for Arsenal since an error-filled performance in a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Southampton on New Year’s Day.
Tomaszewski told Polish newspaper Przeglad, “In January, I spoke to Poland manager Adam Nawalka and he said that Arsene Wenger had told him that if Szczesny worked hard in training, he would play again soon.”
“It turned out that he didn’t tell the truth. I’m sure that when Szczesny said that he was going to stay at Arsenal, he didn’t know that Cech was going to come.”
Though he did remain the club’s keeper for cup competitions, Tomaszewski was aggrieved that Szczesny was overlooked in favour of David Ospina as the Gunners’ number one keeper.
Tomaszewski urges Szczesny to leave Arsenal to save international career
Tomaszewski, who has 63 caps for his national team, sympathised with Szczesny and opined that he should look for a move away from the North London club.
“Wenger did not tell Szczesny about his plans. Wojciech must be devastated. He should leave because it will be a waste of time for him if he stays.”
The Polish legend best remembered for denying England a place in the 1974 FIFA World Cup after a remarkable performance in the qualifying match, felt that Cech’s arrival will have an adverse effect on Szczesny’s international future as well.
“The Petr Cech transfer is a big problem for the Polish national team also. For me Wojciech is still Poland’s number one, a world class goalkeeper.
“After Cech’s transfer though, he has no chance to play for Arsenal and for Poland. It could be the end of his career in the national team.” Tomaszewski added further.
Szczesny prepared to remain at Arsenal as Cech’s understudy
Wojciech Szczesny’s initial reactions, however, suggested he would be happy to remain as a number 2 at Arsenal, after signalling his delight at Petr Cech’s move to Arsenal.
In a post on his official facebook page, Szczesny said, “Petr Cech, Welcome to Arsenal FC! Delighted to have a chance to learn from one of the best goalkeepers in the world.”
